“Real-life connection is the essence of wellbeing”

“Yes, WhatsApp messages and FaceTime is better than no contact at all, but there’s no denying this ongoing lockdown has made us realise that there’s no comparison for time spent together IRL.

“Right now, all I want to do is sit and chat without worrying what my face looks like on screen. I’m sick of dealing with poor WiFi connections. I’m tired of conversations dropping in and out of signal. Because… well, because I’d rather hug my loved ones instead.

“I’d like to sit next to them, feel their warmth against mine, as we chat over mugs of tea and share slabs of homemade cake. I’d like to drop in on my mum and sister without warning. I’d like to go out for brunch with friends. I’d like to cuddle all the babies who’ve been born that I’ve yet to meet, take my pal’s new dog for a walk, console those who’ve lost someone to this awful virus.

“Essentially, I want to be there for people, present and in the moment. So this lockdown has taught me to never take my loved ones for granted: yes, it’s good to schedule in ‘me time’ and prioritise self care… but I also need to schedule in meetups, too. Because real-life connection is the essence of wellbeing.”

Kayleigh

The 21 vital love lessons we learned during lockdown